Introducing Nc’nean Huntress Orchard Cobbler – Scotch Whisky News
Pioneering Scotch Whisky Distillery Nc’nean
Pushes the Boundaries of Spirit Making in a New Limited Release
Scotland’s leading organic whisky distillery, Nc’nean, continues to build its reputation as an industry innovator with the launch of its latest limited edition whisky, Huntress Orchard Cobbler, into the USA.
The Huntress series is inspired by Nc’nean’s namesake – the Gaelic goddess Neachneohain, who was known as a huntress and for walking her own path. This series is centred around that ethos of discovery, and Nc’nean’s passion for hunting for unique flavors in whisky making.
This year’s release is named Orchard Cobbler, for its deliciously warming and homely flavors of Cherry Bakewell, apricot marmalade, and vanilla custard. This particular Huntress release is incredibly unique, in that the spirit used is only produced once a year when the distillers cross over from one distillation recipe to another.
Nc’nean is widely recognized for pushing the boundaries of conventional Scotch. Unlike most distilleries, it runs two different spirit recipes each year – one for whisky set to be released at a younger age, and one set to be released after ten or more years. The spirit matured for Huntress Orchard Cobbler comes from the distillation in the week after the spirit recipe is switched – a time where cut points are changed and unusually high fruity compounds flood into the spirit. So fruity, that the whisky is named after one of the team’s favorite fruit desserts.
Nc’nean Founder and CEO, Annabel Thomas, comments: “This dram perfectly encapsulates our creativity, innovation, and unique approach to whisky. Its origins trace back to our Master Distiller, Jim Swan, who played a pivotal role in developing what would become the Nc’nean spirit and maturation process. Throughout the year, we run two different spirit recipes at the distillery, a practice that Jim and I discussed. Huntress Orchard Cobbler is crafted from the transitional weeks between these recipes, resulting in this wonderfully fruity spirit. This unplanned outcome highlights the magic of experimentation and the beauty of doing things differently.”
Nc’nean Founder Annabel Thomas, and Blender Matt Hastings, tell the full story behind this one-of-a-kind release in their boundary-pushing Huntress range.
Nc’nean’s innovative approach is resulting in strong interest in the brand worldwide. Nc’nean is now available in 20 countries, including here in the US.
In 2021 Nc’nean became the first whisky distillery in the UK to be verified as net zero carbon emissions for scopes 1 and 2. It is B Corp certified and uses only organic Scottish barley in the distillery which is powered entirely by renewable energy. The whisky is bottled in 100% post-consumer-recycled glass, which saves 40% of the carbon emissions compared to using virgin glass.
Nc’nean’s experimental distilling methods led it to win Craft Producer of the Year at the 2023 Icons of Whisky Awards and its organic Single Malt has received several top taste awards, including Double Gold, 91 points at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The small female-led distillery was also ranked 21st in Drinks International’s Top 50 Most Admired Whisky brands in the world 2023. Nc’nean was the only new Scotch whisky to make the top 25, putting the fledgling distillery amongst some of the world’s biggest heritage brands.
Be sure to check out the most recent ratings from Whisky Advocate for Nc’nean including Huntress Orchard Cobbler, the first US Exclusive Aon Single Cask, and Quiet Rebels Gordon.
When asked about the US launch of Nc’nean Huntress Orchard Cobbler, Sam Filmus, President of ImpEx Beverages said “Huntress Orchard Cobbler is just another example of how Annabel and her team of “Quiet Rebels” are taking innovation to the next level. The complexity of flavors and thoughtful approach to this whisky has truly succeeded in capturing Autumn in a bottle.”
The US’ first ever Nc’nean Huntress Seasonal Release is available now in California and is making its way to Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Washington D.C. with more states to follow.
For information on where to find this delicious Limited Release, please email Office@ImpExBev.com for a personal and individual response.
About Nc’nean:
Nc’nean is an award winning, independent, organic whisky distillery on the West Coast of Scotland. Nc’nean began distilling in March 2017 and from inception has strived to do things differently.
In pursuit of new flavors in whisky, Nc’nean uses longer mashing times, slower fermentation, and experiments with unusual yeasts not commonly used within whisky distilling. Nc’nean matures its whisky on site in ex-Bourbon, Sherry and STR ex-red wine casks, along with many other smaller and more unique cask experiments.
The high, narrow cut on the still helps to produce a purer spirit; the unusual lamp-glass-shaped stills encourage a gentle distillation and significant amounts of reflux, creating a lighter spirit that retains its fruity notes.
The Nc’nean ethos of sustainable production is embedded in everything they do, all Nc’nean’s products are certified organic, bottled in 100% post-consumer recycled glass, and made in their verified net zero carbon emission distillery. They also divert 99.97% of their waste from landfill, including feeding leftover draff to the cows on the neighboring farm, and spreading ash from their biomass boiler on vegetable patches.
About ImpEx:
In 2008, a new chapter began for Sam Filmus, his vision was to import premium and rare spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer.
In 2018, whisky veteran Chris Uhde joined Sam as his business partner in ImpEx Beverages and together they have expanded the portfolio and vision for ImpEx.
Now, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notable small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers.
ImpEx Beverages imports Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Wales, Japan, Israel, Mexico, England, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. We also feature a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.
Regardless of your preference, you are sure to find something that pleases from the ImpEx Beverages Portfolio.
